NESTING
Part mad scientist, part clean freak, local mom, Leslie Reichert (pictured above), is known for bringing with her a breath of fresh air, literally. Not only is she the author of "The Joy of Green Cleaning" and owner of The Back Door, a retail shop in Uxbridge specializing in selling vacuum products and green cleaning supplies, she also conducts seminars as "The Cleaning Coach." Reichert is the ideal go-to person for geting ready for baby and spring cleaning.
"Cleaning products say that they are green, biodegradable, earth-friendly, but no one controls the cleaning chemical industry yet. They don't have to even tell you what's in it," said Reichert.
Reichert understands why parents get overwhelmed, "Who wants to be a scientist just to clean your house?"
She offers one simple rule for families: "If you can't say what's in it, don't spray it" as well as the following responses to our questions:
What made you switch
to using green cleaners?
When I was cleaning up to 60 homes per week, we would use anything that worked and never really considered the consequences of using harsh cleaners. We used to use fiberglass boat cleaner to clean out the showers. It worked great but took its toll on my lungs. That's when I started researching alternatives.
Why should we part ways with our over-the-counter cleaners?
Think about what you are using and what it might be doing to your body. The cleaners we spray in our homes can stay there for months. We need to realize that the things we are spraying can affect our family's health. We also need to realize that the chemicals we are pouring down our drains may actually be coming back to our homes in the water we drink.
I can't wait until chemical cleaning companies have to tell us everything that is in their products. Right now there is nothing making them reveal their ingredients. I tell people, 'You have the FDA for your food and drugs, the EPA for the environment and YOU for your home.'
How much money can people save by making their own green products?
Let's do the math: a gallon of vinegar is $2, mixed with a gallon of water, and 20-30 drops of essential oil (entire bottle is $6) so I figure you have two gallons for around $3.
Plus the added benefit that it is safe, I think that's quite a savings don't you?
How did you end up connecting with celebrities?
It started a few years ago when I watched celebrity chefs cooking all these wonderful meals in beautiful demo kitchens and then saw them cleaning the counters with window cleaner and paper towels. It struck me as funny that they were using the wrong products to clean up areas that were being used with food. I approached the International Housewares Association and KitchenAid and they decided to let me show people how to green their cleaning in the demo kitchen. I ended up on stage with Ming Tsai and the Hearty Boys. I had a lot of fun, and I tell people 'I'll clean up after anyone!'
How did the book deal surface?
After years of sharing alternative cleaning recipes, I decided to put them all down and have them as a reference for people, like a cookbook. I knew I could teach people to learn to love cleaning with an easy-to-use recipe book for green cleaners.
What's your cleaning style?
My husband calls me a binge cleaner. I clean when I am under stress or when I need to avoid something else, and can clean into the wee hours of the morning.
What is your best and easiest advice for those who hate to clean?
One of my favorite tips is to use an apron. I made mine from my husband's jeans, and use it like a carpenter uses a tool belt. You can clean like a professional because it keeps everything right with you.
Tell readers about The Back Door.
The Back Door is my store that specializes in teaching and encouraging people to enjoy "homekeeping." I have a wonderful staff that helps find solutions and products to help people clean their particular situation. We sell everything from in-home central vacuums to different sponges and cleaning cloths, all with keeping things green. Our goal is to carry "the best of clean."
What about your online store?
I realize that not everyone has the want, or the time, to make their own cleaners, which is why I have a web site that focuses on giving people choices for green cleaning products (vacuumlady.com).
What is your favorite cleaning product?
I have two. The blue cloth is something that replaces using glass cleaner and paper towels. People still can't believe it works as well as it does. The other is a skoy cloth. It's imported from Germany…one cloth is the same as using five rolls of paper towels.
With a husband, three children and a golden retriever, how do you find balance?
Our life is very busy and my husband does travel with his job too, so everyone has learned to help out. My kids are the best cleaners ever! And, they really don't mind doing it. I guess that makes me a good coach.
What are some of your quirks?
I like my vacuum lines straight and I love shiny stainless steel.
Pet peeves?
I hate it when someone walks on my clean floor just after I've washed it. Don't you wish everyone would just stand around and appreciate it before it gets walked on?
How does recently turning fifty feel?
I'm not afraid of my age. I believe that it is really just "half time" and Super Bowls are won in the second half! So look out 'cause I'm looking to "clean up."
With Leslie's recipes, advice and products, freelancer Amy Benoit is proud to admit she's cleaning "greener" than ever before. "The Joy of Green Cleaning" is nestled among her countertop cookbooks and is referenced often.
The Cleaning Coach: 1-866-50 CLEAN-hotline for cleaning questions thecleaningcoach.us For green cleaning tips, enter your e-mail at: thejoyofgreencleaning.com. "The Joy of Green Cleaning" retails for $15.95 and is also available online ($10) as a .pdf file at thejoyofgreencleaning. com.
The Back Door is located at 432 North Main Street in North Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
Green Powder Scrub 1 cup borax 2 cups salt (sea salt for more aggressive cleanser) 2 cups baking soda 8 drops of essential oil for fragrance Mix together and store in a shaker container. Works great with sparkle sponges!
Bathroom Tile Floor Cleaner 1 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup borax Mix with hot water. Clean the floor with mixture and a microfiber mop.
Clean-Toilet Tip Shut off the main line of water to the toilet. Flush it once, so that the water empties. Put the scrub in there. Then you can really scrub, and it won't be diluted. You can also buy a pumice stone with a handle that takes all the stains right off and doesn't scratch.
